Joshua 17: Lessons from Manasseh’s Tribe on Seizing Your Spiritual Inheritance

Introduction: Joshua Chapter 17 tells of the inheritance given to the half tribe of Manasseh, which decided to live within the Promised Land. From this chapter, God reveals seven important lessons regarding how to seize the full spiritual inheritance to which you are entitled.

First, from the inheritance granted to the descendants of Manasseh’s firstborn son Machir for their faith in battle, He reveals that your inheritance is based upon your faith. Second, from the inheritance granted to the descendants of the daughters of Zelophehad, He reveals that He wants you to petition Him for both your needs and for the needs of others. Third, through the equal inheritance that He gave to the male and female descendants, He reveals that He rewards the righteous prayers of His believers. Along with Numbers chapter 27, this chapter is also noteworthy because it shows His concern for gender equality. The women were entitled to an inheritance just like the men. Fourth, from the shared inheritance granted to the tribe of Manasseh within the lands of three other tribes, He reveals that your spiritual inheritance is in part tied to the wellbeing of your brothers and sisters in Christ. When you help the poor or the homeless or those in need, you are helping Christ. He in turn may reward you when you give with the right motives. Fifth, by the failure of the tribe of Manasseh to fully drive out the Canaanites, He reveals that your spiritual inheritance can be compromised when you make accommodations with the desires of your flesh. Sixth, from the demands of the descendants of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh for a greater land inheritance without making full use of the land given to them, He reveals that He may not reward the slothful believers with their full spiritual inheritance. Working hard is part of God’s plan for all believers. Finally, rather than rebuking Ephraim and Manasseh for their slothfulness, Joshua encouraged the tribes to fully seize their inheritance from the land that God had already provided. From this example, God reveals that He wants you to also encourage others to seize their full spiritual inheritance.

1. Your Spiritual Inheritance in Heaven Comes through Faith. Josh. 17:1-2.

Manasseh’s lands to the East of the Jordan River (Machir)1

2. Petition Christ For Both Your Needs and For Others in Need. Josh. 17:3-4(a).

The daughters of Zelophehad petition for their fair inheritance2

3. God Rewards the Prayers of Those Who Pray for Righteous Needs. Josh. 17:4(b)-6.

4. Your Spiritual Inheritance is in Part Tied to the Needs of Others. Josh. 17:7-11.

5. Don’t Compromise Your Inheritance by Accommodating Your Flesh. Josh. 17:12-13.

6. God May Not Reward the Slothful Believers with their Full Inheritance. Josh. 17:14-16.

7. Encourage Others to Fully Seize Their Spiritual Inheritance. Josh. 17:17-18.

Encourage others to seize their spiritual inheritance through Jesus3